"GREAT EIGHT" - NEW BULLDOGS FOR 2008-09
June 3, 2008

Rahiti Marere (Photo Courtesy of the Evergreen State College)

BCC Men's Basketball Coach Jeremy Eggers has announced the signing of eight players who will become Bulldogs in 2008-09. A diverse group of athletes from a variety of basketball backgrounds, Eggers has high hopes that the new class will bolster a strong crop of returning players, and help BCC continue to contend for the NWAACC Championship.

Headlining the class is 6'6" forward Rahiti Marere, a transfer from the Evergreen State College in Olympia. A lanky and versatile forward, he has improved immensely since his days as a standout at Kamiak High School where he averaged 11.7 points per game.

"We are really lucky to have Rahiti as a new addition to the BCC Basketball family" said Eggers. "His experience at Evergreen State has him prepared for the college game, and his ability to shoot, drive, or play with his back to the basket makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents. On top of all of that, he is an outstanding young man to be around and is already making a great impression in the lockerroom."

The Bulldog backcourt will also receive a boost with the signing of five players who can play anywhere from the point to wing positions. Local standouts Bren Hobzek and Matt Lapasin starred at Issaquah High School last season, where they were the top scorers for the Eagles at 16.3 and 15.5 points respectively. Hobzek (6'1") and Lapasin (6'2") will also be able add size and length on the perimeter for Bellevue.

"Bren and Matt have played together for a long time, and it shows when they step on the court. They play extremely hard, and have the versatility to play at the point, off-guard, and wing positions" said Eggers. "It is always a priority to try to keep local talent at home, and that's exactly what we've been able to do in signing Bren and Matt."

RJ Perkins, Jordan Starr and Brad Valentine will round out the new perimeter players for Bellevue.

Perkins, who originally signed with BCC in 2007 after graduating from Sultan High School, is back after taking a season off for personal reasons.

"We were excited to have RJ as part of the 2007 recruiting class, and are equally as excited to have him joining us in 2008" commented Eggers. "He needed to take a year off for personal reasons, but we remain convinced that he will remain an impact player at the point guard position." The 5'9" Perkins averaged 19.1 points per game his senior year, and was named to the Everett Herald's 2A/1A/2B/1B All Area First Team, as well as the 2A Cascade Conference First Team.

Jordan Starr comes to BCC after a prolific senior year at A.C. Davis High School in Yakima, WA. A 5'11" combo guard, he led the CBL 4A League in scoring at 19.3 points per game and was a First Team All-League selection.

"Jordan had an outstanding senior year at A.C. Davis, and from what we've seen and heard about him, it is clear that he is a talented scorer" said Eggers. "He is excited to be here at Bellevue, and we are looking forward to seeing just how far his talent can take him."

Sharpshooter Brad Valentine from Kentlake High School signed a letter of intent to play for the Bulldogs after helping the Falcons to the SPSL District Playoffs. An outstanding perimeter shooter, who made an impressive 50 percent of his three point attempts last season, Valentine should give Bellevue another deep threat.

"Brad has a quick release and great range" said Eggers. "Not only that, but he loves to play and is a relentless competitor. He may not be the biggest or strongest player, but he plays his tail off, and that is a valuable ability in our program."

In addition to Marere, Bellevue's front line will be bolstered by the addition of a pair of first year big men.

6'7" Sean Day of Skyline High School joins BCC after helping his team earn a trip to the Kingco-Metro District Tournament in 2007. Long and atheletic, Day has the ability to defend a variety of positions, and is a talented shot blocker and rebounder.

"Sean has a tremendous upside, and we are really looking forward to watching him grow over the next two years" said Eggers. "He has some outstanding athletic gifts and runs the floor as well as any big guy in our league. With a little bit of development, I anticipate nothing but good things for him."

Ryan Blake, a 6'9" post player, comes to BCC from Ilwaco High School on the Washington coast. In his senior season, he led his team in scoring at 15.3 points per game, helping the Fishermen to second place finish in the SW 1A Trico League, and a berth to the District Tournament.

"Ryan is another big guy with a huge amount of potential" commented Eggers. "He moves very well for a guy his size, and will be ready to step in and challenge some shots at the rim. I think we have only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of what he is capable of, and I am really looking forward to seeing him blossom at the Community College level."

The talented class of eight newcomers, combined with six returning players from the 2007-08 season, gives BCC a chance to field a talented and versatile team in 2008-09, according to Eggers. "If we can blend our new talent and our returning experience, I think we stand the chance of having yet another outstanding season in 2008-2009."